Thanks to very good rains up to May we can still boast that our animal population is still looking ship shape. Admittedly, the cold weather we have experienced lately did put a damper on the game drive comfort department. This has however not deterred anyone from going on and enjoying memorable game drives.

With the world cup in full swing Mabula staff have quickly gotten used to hearing Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French and other languages emphasising the vast influence of this tournament. Not that the animals give it any mind however. They’re far too preoccupied with their own intricate game of survival. This was very aptly demonstrated by the recent Impala rut. This is the only time Impala rams become territorial. They then strut and snort about like a typical Ronaldo or Drogba whenever anyone or anything is around to see let alone the ewes. Guests have reported leopard, hippo and even lion vocals which then only turn out to be the rutting vocalization of the male Impala. This amazing snorting sound makes the Impala sound as if it is an animal of considerable bigger size and lethality.

Other amazing things have also occurred which begs mentioning. When ranger Sean brought around his camera with a picture of a jackal in the tree everyone yelled “Photoshop” straight away but shortly after his guests on that drive came in to confirm the whole story. To everyone’s astonishment the events that preceded that photo was even more amazing. Apparently a Hawk eagle had just caught a francolin (witnessed by Sean & guests) which was then harassed by the jackals. This seemed just too much of an opportunity for the one jackal that then proceeded to scamper up the tree to try and pilfer the prize. Unfortunately for the jackal the hawk eagle took off with its quarry and left the jackal literally up a tree. Its clumsy and reportedly very humorous attempts to get down just complimented an already spectacular sighting.

Jackal up a tree

On the big five front the lions are all hale and recently afforded some lucky guests with a sighting of a kill in the Kliphuis area. With the grazing getting a little scarcer, due to winter setting in, most of the rhinos have moved to Modjadji. This creates some tension as they are grouped in closer conglomerations that they are typically used to. Thus we had to dart one female as she had a bad wound in he rear most probably caused by the horn of another irritable rhino.

The elephants are also mostly in the Modjadji area and the buffalos are scattered all over in their individual family herds which is typical behaviour for them this time of the year.

The rangers also got some good pictures of rare animals like serval & civet that are always a highlight on drives.

Regards

Laurie and the Mabula ranger team.

Laurie Roux
Wildlife Services Manager
Email: wls@lodge.mabula.co.za

[A] Private Bag X1644, Bela Bela, 0480, Limpopo Province, South Africa
[T] 27 (014) 734 0014 [F] 27 (014) 734 0013
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